More Than 400 State-Licensed Cannabis Businesses Operating On California’s First Day of Legal Commercial Cannabis Activity

SACRAMENTO – Temporary licenses issued by the Bureau of Cannabis Control for retailers, distributors, microbusinesses, testing laboratories, and event organizers are now in effect and businesses can begin operating in California’s newly-legal commercial cannabis market. More than 400 Cannabis operators, from Shasta Lake to the City of San Diego, now hold state licenses in the largest cannabis market in the country.

“This is an historic day for the state of California,” Bureau of Cannabis Control Chief Lori Ajax said. “It marks the beginning of a legal cannabis marketplace that will be well regulated in order to protect consumers and maintain a level playing field for cannabis-related businesses. We are hopeful that we have put forth a model that other states will look to as an example when they head down the path to legalization.”

The Bureau began issuing temporary licenses ahead of its January 1 mandate. In addition to the more than 400 licenses issued by the Bureau, over 4,400 users have registered with the Bureau’s online system and more than 1,800 applications have been submitted.

State licenses for cannabis manufacturers and cultivators have also been issued by the California Department of Public Health and the California Department of Food and Agriculture, respectively.

Those interested in applying for a license or running a license search can access the Bureau’s online licensing system at http://online.bcc.ca.gov/. A temporary license issued by the Bureau is good for 120 days, after which a permanent license must be obtained.

For additional information on licensing, or to subscribe to email alerts to hear about updates as they become available, please visit our website: http://www.bcc.ca.gov/.

For information on all three licensing authorities, please visit the state’s California Cannabis Portal: cannabis.ca.gov. Follow the Bureau on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for daily news and updates.